Chapter 1 Summary

Stepping out of the movie house into bright sunlight, Ponyboy is thinking about two things; Paul Newman and a ride home. He wishes he were tougher looking- like Paul Newman. He decides his own looks aren't so bad. Ponyboy thinks about his own looks. He thinks his hair is longer than that of his peers, but he's a "greaser" and most of his neighborhood rarely bothers to get a haircut.

Walking home alone, Ponyboy thinks about how none of his peers, including his two brothers Sodapop and Darry, appreciate reading books, watching movies, and drawing pictures like he does. That is why he is walking alone. He is more comfortable watching a movie by himself.

Ponyboy thinks about how his brother Soda at least tries to understand him. He thinks he loves Soda more than he has ever loved anyone-including his parents. Ponyboy...